A Centennial Celebration at Tahbilk Estate

A Centennial Celebration at Tahbilk Estate

Saturday, 12 April marked a truly unforgettable evening at Tahbilk Estate, as Wine Club members came together to celebrate 100 years of Purbrick family ownership. The occasion was warm and elegant, held in the atmospheric surrounds of the Tahbilk Estate Restaurant. Members shared stories, laughed over familiar vintages, and raised a toast to the enduring legacy of a family and a place that have shaped Australian wine for a century.

The evening started on the restaurant deck overlooking the evening-lit billabong, where guests were greeted with a glass of the 2015 Centennial Sparkling Marsanne—a bright and refined vintage that sparkled with lemon zest and lifted floral notes. As the sun dipped low over the wetlands, canapés were served to the sounds of relaxed conversation and clinking glasses:

Alister Purbrick: A Legacy in His Words

As the group moved indoors, one long, beautifully set table stretched the length of the restaurant, bringing everyone together for the shared experience of wine, food and history.

Fourth-generation winemaker Alister Purbrick opened the dinner with heartfelt remarks, offering a personal reflection on a century of family ownership. His speech struck a balance of warmth, gratitude, and vision.

“One of the most important decisions we’ve made,” Alister said, “was to ensure Tahbilk could never be sold. It belongs to future generations—not just our family, but to the land and to all of you who’ve supported us for decades.”

He touched on the values instilled by his grandfather, Eric, including a lifelong commitment to “continuous improvement”—words that continue to guide the estate today.

A Dinner to Remember

With the mood set, Head Chef Jonny Mackeson introduced the evening’s bespoke menu, crafted to match the character and depth of Tahbilk’s Centennial Release wines.

“These are once-in-a-generation wines,” he noted, “and the food had to reflect that—considered, elegant, and in harmony with the glass.”

Each wine was accompanied by commentary from Cellar Door Manager Holly Cusworth, who offered insight into vintage conditions, vineyard blocks, and flavour evolution across time.

“These wines are timekeepers,” Holly said. “They carry the story of their year, the soils, the hands that nurtured them, and this moment.”

A Night of Connection

The sense of community was tangible. Guests reminisced about past Wine Club events, shared stories of milestones marked with Tahbilk wines, and welcomed new members with open arms.

“It felt like a family gathering,” one guest said. “Only with better wine!”

With Gratitude

To all who joined us, thank you. Your presence and support made this evening one for the history books.

We’ll be announcing our next Wine Club Winter Dinner soon, dates to be confirmed. Until then, we raise a glass to legacy, to friendship, and to the next chapter in the Tahbilk story.